Operation: Mystery Book Discussion

by Adriana Flores Heard

Length of Program

Four programs of 50 minutes in length.

Program Description

Host a mystery book discussion series every other week during the summer. Begin the book discussion series with The Westing Game. Participating teens receive a copy of The Westing Game and a notebook two weeks before the first book discussion. After reading each chapter, teens write in their notebooks who they think “did it” or predict what will happen at the end of the book. They may also write any thoughts they have about the book. On the day of the program, the librarian begins the discussion and asks teens to share who they thought was the culprit at various points during the book.

Preparation

Choose dates and times for the program.

The book discussion series begins with The Westing Game. Select three additional books for which multiple copies are available. The Teen Advisory Board and Teen Volunteers may suggest titles. Request additional copies through ILL or purchase additional paperback copies.

Read or review The Reading Group Handbook: Everything You Need to Know, from Choosing Members to Leading Discussion by Rachel W. Jacobsohn or a similar title to learn how to lead a book discussion group.

Create posters and displays and advertise the program. List the titles that will be discussed and the dates and times of the programs.

Purchase notepads for teen participants or ask a local news paper or business to donate them.

Let Teen Volunteers or Teen Advisory Board help develop a set of rules to make the book discussions productive and fun.

Decorations

Create artwork inspired by the jackets for the books the teens will read. Copies of book jackets may be viewed or downloaded from amazon.com. Make posters and bulletin boards that include the artwork and a snappy synopsis of the plot.